Craving a quick, elegant, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this super easy scallops and asparagus stir-fry! This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time, utilizing fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. The delicate sweetness of the scallops perfectly complements the crisp-tender asparagus, all brought together by a rich and savory ginger oyster sauce. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a light yet impressive meal for friends.
Forget complicated cooking techniques and lengthy prep times. This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll be enjoying a delicious and healthy stir-fry in minutes. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Scallops: 200g
- Asparagus: 200g
- Ginger (young): 5g
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Carrot: 50g
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Light soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Fresh ginger juice: 2 tbsp
- Corn flour: 1 tsp
- Water: 1 1/2 tsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sear the Scallops and Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat up a pan to medium heat. Add some oil and swirl it around until it's hot enough.
- Pan-fry the scallops for 15-20 seconds per side, without moving them around too much.
- Remove the scallops from the pan, leaving the oil.
- Add the sliced ginger and chopped garlic to the pan and fry until fragrant.
- Add 1 cup of water, sliced carrots, and asparagus to the pan. Cover and steam for approximately 30 seconds.
Step 2. Create the Ginger Oyster Sauce
- Add oyster sauce, sugar, light soy sauce, and fresh ginger juice to the pan. Stir well and taste.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of corn flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of water and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Increase the heat to reduce the sauce. Once boiling and the desired consistency is reached, add sesame oil.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked scallops back to the sauce and serve.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Try not to overcook the scallops.
- Ensure your scallops are fully cooked.
- Don't brown the garlic and ginger too much; the aroma is key.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 35g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the scallops with another protein?
Yes! Chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What if I don't have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a similar savory-sweet flavor.
This super easy scallops and asparagus stir-fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. From the delicate scallops to the vibrant asparagus and the rich ginger oyster sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor. Enjoy this quick and delicious meal, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family!